True Transparency: Rado Launches the DiaStar Original Skeleton
The DiaStar is rather a historic model for watch manufacture Rado, with the timepiece appearing only five years after the brand’s founding back in 1957. The first 1962 DiaStar quickly gained a following for its distinctive shape and extremely resistant tungsten-carbide case – a highly unusual material for a watch both then and now. Following the model’s 60th anniversary last year, when Rado launched a new model with a ‘Rado Ceramos’ case, the horology house is now offering up a skeletonised version. Say hello to the sleek DiaStar Original Skeleton.
The case
The refined new case measures 38 mm x 45 mm, combined with a height 11.9 mm. While the large bezel is polished Ceramos, the middle part of the case is polished steel. As the self-proclaimed ‘Master of Materials’, Rado’s use of Ceramos on the DiaStar Original Skeleton‘s broad bezel is of great importance.
As a ceramic and metal alloy, it simultaneously provides lightness, durability and scratch resistance alongside a handsome appearance. Furthermore, Ceramos will never oxidise, meaning its aesthetic should not change over time. No wonder, then, that Rado is working to replace all of its steel and PVD-covered case models with Ceramos.
The dial
Skeletonisation is very much in focus at Rado at the moment, meaning it’s little surprise that the DiaStar Original Skeleton is entering the scene. The watch’s airy black dial thus reveals the inner workings of the watch, while clearly displaying the time with floating yellow-gold indices and matching hands filled with Super-LumiNova for round-the-clock legibility. This contrasts well with the anthracite-grey coating of the exposed calibre. Last but not least, Rado protect this attractive skeletonised dial with facetted anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
The calibre
Meanwhile, the movement on show for the wearer of the DiaStar Original Skeleton is the calibre R808. This pioneering automatic calibre integrates an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring, which ensures that the timepiece stays extremely precise and reliable. The calibre R808, which the manufacture tests in no less than five positions, has a solid 80-hour power reserve alongside a frequency of 3 Hz. Thanks to the sapphire crystal caseback, the owner of the watch can admire the movement from both sides.
Price and availability
The Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton comes with a steel triple-row bracelet that alternates between brushed and polished finishing. A triple-fold stainless-steel buckle secures the bracelet to the wrist. Finally, the new timepiece is available for purchase in stores and online for 2,150 euros.
Earlier in June, we saw the unmistakable return of one of Italy’s most famous automobile events: La Mille Miglia, otherwise known as 1000 Miglia, or 1000 miles. Once described by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful race in the world”, it is a 1,000-mile open-road race through Italy’s finest towns and cities in period classic…
With the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra, the Roman brand breaks the world record for the thinnest mechanical watch. The piece measures only 1.80 mm in height and thus knocks the previous world champion, the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept, off its throne. To reduce the case height even further, Bulgari's watchmakers break with tradition and not…
As the 50th anniversary year of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1, which was widely celebrated with an array of special models, draws to a close, the watch manufacturer is already presenting its next highlight. With the Chronograph 1 - GP 2023 Edition, Porsche Design is launching a second limited special edition to mark the GP…
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) accommodates a flying tourbillon in the slim "Jumbo" case. In order to make this complication possible for the "Jumbo", a completely new movement had to be developed. At the same time, the watchmaker wanted to maintain the classic proportions. At the beginning of the year,…
With the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton, the brand is presenting a skeletonised version of the Overseas with tourbillon. In addition to a variant with a pink gold case, the house is also launching a model made entirely of titanium - a first for the brand. The calibre 2160 powering the watch was skeletonised and…
Frederique Constant is celebrating a double anniversary with greetings from outer space: the brand’s 35th anniversary and the launch of its tourbillon calibre 15 years ago. With its meteorite dial, the Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture is a cosmic timepiece that showcases the brand's craftsmanship through 35 handmade limited-edition pieces. A rare combination of materials: the case and…
'Artisan Boitier' (case artisan) is written above their heads, printed on the window with a view inside an ancient-like workshop - but it is the brand new JHP x AkriviA Atelier in Geneva. More than 45 years of age lie between the 32-year-old founder of the Geneva watch brand AkriviA, Rexhep Rexhepi, and one of the most famous case…
After one year out of action, Rafael Nadal recently announced his return to professional tennis for the Australian Open in Brisbane. So, it seemed rather fitting that Richard Mille produce him a new watch and drop us fans an early Christmas present. That is, of course, the new RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal. Up until…
On the watch fair SIHH 2019 the Swiss brand Vacheron Constantin introduces a new, very exclusive model. In 2006 the brand already presented a collection, called 'Excellence Platine', which is dedicated to the high-quality material platinum. This collection, composed of exceptional models only issued in limited editions, now welcomes a new version of the Traditionnelle Manual-Winding. Vacheron…
Audemars Piguet is celebrating the opening of its new AP House. Situated in the heart of Munich opposite the Bavarian State Opera, the new space is four times larger than the previous location, spanning over 400 square metres. Having an AP House in Munich is exciting in itself: there are only 13 AP Houses in…
Zenith fans can now admire the timepieces of the traditional Swiss manufacture at the brand's first German boutique in Munich. Only a stone's throw away from the Bavarian State Opera, the Zenith boutique opened its doors in the heart of the Bavarian capital on Theatinerstrasse 7 on October 5th. Zenith operates the boutique in cooperation…
At the Salon Internacional Alta Relojería in Mexico, Panerai has unveiled a new version of the Luminor Quaranta. The Panerai Luminor Quaranta Carbotech PAM01526 will be presented to the public for the first time, showcasing a smaller case and a bold design with attractive materials. Case The case of the Panerai Luminor Quaranta Carbotech PAM01526…
Watch manufacture Richard Mille is introducing a new flyback chronograph. The Richard Mille RM 72-01 replaces the previously discontinued RM 11 and is powered by the manufacture's first in-house chronograph calibre. The new model retains the brand's design aesthetics and, as usual, integrates a number of technical innovations. The Case The case of the Richard…